Introduction
This review will examine the globalization of missions and its relationship to the Great
Commission as described in Matthew 28:18-20. This passage stands out more than the other
biblical mentions of the Great Commissioning because it is the most detailed and comprehensive
account of Jesus' instructions to his disciples before ascending to heaven. This paper will also
explore the concept of localization in mission work and the role of social justice in Christian
missions.
Thesis and Critical Review
The article comprehensively explains the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20,
delving into its historical and cultural context while analyzing its literary and theological aspects.
The author posits that the Great Commission is a model for church mission programs, supported
by the evidence presented.1 However, the article lacks practical application discussion for today’s
church and could benefit from a deeper exploration of integrating evangelism and social justice
in contemporary missions. Taking a grammatical-historical approach, the author argues that the
Great Commission is a call to global missions, emphasizing Jesus’ authority, the command to
teach, and his promise to be with the disciples.2 While providing a convincing interpretation,
some may critique the lack of additional evidence or counterarguments. Furthermore, exploring
the implications of this interpretation for modern-day missions and informing the church’s
mission strategy could enhance the article’s overall argument.3
The Great Commission fulfills the qualities of globalization by promoting the gospel's
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1 Ibid., 2.
2 Ibid., 1.
3 Ibid., 2.
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spread to all nations, transcending traditional political, economic, cultural, and geographical
boundaries.4 It also emphasizes the importance of social relations and interdependence in
spreading the message of Christianity. It extends beyond human history and into eternity, making
it a global and timeless mission.
The extended ending of Mark’s Gospel, which includes the Great Commission, is
significant because it serves as a summary and endorsement of the gospel.5 It also highlights the
Great Commission's importance in understanding the Gospel of Matthew. Additionally, it
emphasizes the eschatological mandate Jesus gave during the period between his resurrection
and the end of human history.6 The promise of Jesus’ presence with his disciples until the end of
the age is also a vital aspect of the significance of the Great Commission. Finally, the passage
serves as a bridging passage that connects the story of the historical Jesus and the authority that
He passed on to his disciples.7 This has then been passed on to the new era of universal mission
for the church under the protection of the risen Christ.
Several other Bible verses relate to Matthew 28:18-20, including Mark 16:15, Luke
24:47, and Acts 1:8. These verses also speak about spreading Jesus' teachings to all nations and
making disciples of all people:
Mark 16:15-16: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to
the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not
believe will be condemned.’“
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4 Ibid., 5.
5 Ibid., 2.
6 Ibid., 5.
7 Ibid., 6.
2
Luke 24:46-49: “And said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on
the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be
proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of
these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in
the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’“
Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the
earth.”
Acts 13:47: “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the
Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’“
The model of making disciples integrates evangelism and social justice in the church's
mission by recognizing that both are essential components of the Great Commission.8 While
evangelism focuses on proclaiming the gospel and leading individuals to a personal relationship
with God, social justice involves actively loving and serving others in a way that reflects Christ's
love.9 Both are necessary for fulfilling the church's mission, and the model acknowledges and
incorporates both aspects.
Specific Content References
“The conclusion here is that the Great Commission in this passage is a call to global missions.”10
The latter part of this statement - “...the Great Commission in this passage is a call to
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8 Ibid., 2.
9 Ibid., 2.
10 Ibid., 1.
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global missions.” - is supported by the author’s analysis of the grammatical-historical approach
and the exegesis of Matthew 28:16-20.11 The author also discusses the themes of Jesus’ authority,
the commissioning of his disciples, and his promise to always be with them, all of which point
toward a global mission.12 This content reference can be applied by understanding the
significance of the Great Commission in the context of global victory and how it relates to the
overall message and themes of the Gospel of Matthew.13
“The Great Commission is a charge to proclaim the gospel which involves preaching the good
news, witnessing from a personal experience and relationship with God, effectively loving one’s
neighbour by the power of the Holy Spirit, and journeying through the process of discipleship
and growth into becoming a church.”14
This quote highlights the multifaceted nature of the Great Commission and how it
encompasses both evangelism and social justice while maintaining the distinction between the
two. One way to accomplish the Great Commission is by actively sharing the good news of Jesus
Christ with others through preaching and personal testimony. Sharing can be successful through
various means, such as evangelism events, small group discussions, and one-on-one
conversations. Additionally, showing genuine love and care for others, regardless of their beliefs
or backgrounds, "to all the nations" can be a powerful way to share the gospel and demonstrate
the love of Christ.15 Finally, guiding and supporting others in their journey of discipleship and
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11 Ibid., 1.
12 Ibid., 1.
13 Ibid., 1.
14 Ibid., 2.
15 Ibid., 3.
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growth can help them become part of the church and continue spreading the
gospel to others.16
"The command is to ‘teach all things’, and the author records Jesus giving a command for active
evangelism somewhere in those discourses.”17
This quote highlights the importance of active evangelism and spreading Jesus' teachings
to all nations. It emphasizes the command to teach everything, indicating that this is a crucial
aspect of the Great Commission.18 This command always applies to all believers and in all
places, making it a universal mission for Christians.19 It also suggests that Jesus was actively
involved in evangelism and instructed his disciples to do the same. Overall, this quote
emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the gospel and making disciples, as
commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matthew 28:18-20 serves as a pivotal and bridging passage in the gospel
of Matthew.20 It summarizes the key themes of the gospel and points towards a new era of
universal mission for the church under the protection of the risen Christ. Through a grammatical-
historical approach, it is evident that Jesus’ authority in heaven and on earth is a global authority,
and the Great Commission in this passage is a call to international missions. Before attempting to
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16 Ibid., 2.
17 Ibid., 4.
18 Ibid., 4.
19 Ibid., 4.
20 Ibid., 2.
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globalize, Christians must establish and make their mission successful locally.21 By
understanding the history of interpretation and the exegesis of this passage, we can see that it is
not just a commission but also an epiphany or exaltation story that reveals the new status of the
risen One. What Jesus taught is to continue forever. It is not a "menu" to choose from which to
evangelize. The mission is a holistic one.22 Overall, Matthew 28:18-20 is a crucial passage in
understanding the message of the first gospel and the church's mission.
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21 Ibid., 5.
22 Ibid., 6.
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